Kosher Press In Your Inbox

Secret Tapes of 6 Women in Mikveh Found at Rabbi Barry Freundel’s Home

October 15, 2014

Rabbi Barry Freundel recorded secret videos of at six women women showering at the mikvah in his synagogue, according to allegations filed at his arraignment on Wednesday afternoon.

The details from the charging documents were posted on Twitter by WTOP reporter Neal Augenstein.

According to Augenstein’s account, the police found backed-up videos of the six women, plus video of Freundel himself setting up the camera.

Police were seen removing computers and other electronic equipment from Freundel’s home Tuesday morning after they led him out in handcuffs.

According to a copy of the complaint posted online, Freundel is seen on video obtained by the police adjusting the angle of the hidden camera.

“The defendant is seen on numerous occasions setting up and operating the Recording Device in the showing area and changing area connected to the Mikvah,” the complaint reads. “The defendant is seen positioning the Recording Device so that it faced the shower and, by so doing, the Recording Device was able to capture unsuspecting women totally or partially undressed or changing clothes without their knowledge and consent.”

Two women were captured in videos recorded on June 2. Four more women were captured on videos that appear to have been recorded on September 13, according to the complaint.

“The video captures them exiting the shower and drying off before getting dressed,” the complaint reads.

Freundel is the spiritual leader of Kesher Israel, Washington, D.C.’s leading modern Orthodox congregation. The mikvah at Kesher Israel is currently the only functioning Orthodox mikvah in Washington, D.C.

The Forward reported earlier today that two rabbinic organizations had investigated unrelated allegations of sexual impropriety made against Freundel this past summer. Both organizations told the Forward that their investigations were hampered by the accuser’s inability to document is allegations. Neither took action against Freundel, and neither informed Kesher Israel’s board of their investigations.